What should I do as the ESE teacher when I know that a student is not being best served in an inclusion classroom? Using ungraded tests or surveys to pre-assess students’ readiness and interests before or at the start of a unit will help you determine where each student is in relation to the unit KUD’s and guide you in identifying initial student groupings and task assignments in the beginning of the unit. What instructional strategies can I add to my teaching repertoire? Instruction can be differentiated through its key elements: content, process, outcome/product, and learning environment. Are there routines that I can modify or add that will better facilitate multiple instructional situations simultaneously? 1-800-333-0054 (Toll Free)1-801-295-7088 (Fax) info@readinghorizons.com. The answer is no. My initial response would be to increase communication with the mainstream classroom teacher(s). Differentiated instructions 1. At no time is this more obvious than when a teacher is designing a learning environment that will meet the needs of each individual student as well as investing the time to improve and refine teaching abilities and dispositions that will make them the best teacher that they can be. The nature of the learning environment for that young person will, in large measure, answer that question. Content knowledge and expertise should be an ongoing pursuit for every teacher. Such instruction enables struggling learners to grasp and use powerful ideas and, at the same time, encourages Then I laughed to myself and said, "Will I ever have a mind to stop teaching?" What you saw in your “visit” to my classroom are practical ways I differentiate to improve my students’ literacy. Sarcasm aside; is it possible to meet the needs of every learner in your classroom? This is also where knowledge of standards comes in. That is a question we are getting asked more and more often. Rather, they come with an overriding question: "How is it going to be for me in this place?" I am still passionate about literacy, the arts, and free medical and education for all. Do I have a system of assessment to place students for instruction as well as monitor their progress? Without good teachers this world would be in chaos. All the best to you from a veteran teacher, retired in 2004. Are there materials and/or other resources that I can realistically acquire to improve my ability to teach all kinds of learners? UDL elements in a differentiated instruction mathematics lesson In one study, teachers identified the challenge of meeting the individual needs of diverse learners as one of their top three concerns. Differentiated instruction changes the roles of students as well as teachers. The ability to recognize and meet the instructional needs of each student in your class is an ongoing process. Resources involved in differentiating instruction include; instructional time (length, frequency), space (small-group vs. whole-group), people (parent helpers, classroom aides), and materials (e.g. This involves assessment; all kinds of assessment – from informal to formal and everything in between. R… Differentiated Reading Instruction: Teaching Every Child is a 60-minute webcast that outlines the most effective strategies teachers can use to address the many different needs of each of their students – so that kids capable of learning to read, like Robert and Marisa, won't fall behind. Students have “multiple options for taking in information, making sense of ideas, and expressing what they learn,” she explains. Tomlinson describes differentiated instruction as factoring students’ individual learning styles and levels of readiness first before designing a lesson plan. Ditto. Few students enter a classroom at the outset of a new school year asking, "What can you teach me about grammar?" // ]]>, Tags: During the unit, continually assessing each students’ progress toward the learning goals (KUD’s) guides the teacher in planning the next instruction… Understanding key elements; Key element 1: Positive relationships; Key element 2: Classroom organization; Key element 3: Differentiated instruction; Key element 4: Classroom behavioural expectations; Key element 5: Social skills instruction; Key element 6: Positive reinforcement; Key element 7: Fair and predictable consequences; Key element 8: I have said multiple times that effective teaching is both an art and a science. Just wait until your students reach age 40 and you see them in a supermarket. gtag('config', 'UA-5451950-2'); In fact, your teaching approach may need to change on-the-fly in response to student feedback to your instruction. I retired 5 years ago after 24 years as a teacher, 2 years as an administrator, and 20 years as a counselor. What do I know about multisensory instruction, direct instruction, brain-based learning, English language learning, the importance of feedback, flexible grouping, etc.? We can vary or modify these elements to provide our students with equally varied and positive learning experiences. Is differentiated reading instruction really necessary? I know that is not always easy as schedules are tight but it can give you an opportunity to help the teacher recognize what you already know. Differentiated instruction “shakes up” the traditional classroom, says Tomlinson. Differentiated Instruction ... Several elements and materials are used to support instructional content. This is probably one of the trickiest components in providing effective explicit phonics instruction for all students. Thanks also for all of the lives YOU have influenced. Tomlinson (2001) identifies three elements of the curriculum that can be differentiated: Content, Process, and … The components of the 2016 Differentiated Instruction Educator’s Package include: 1. There are few key elements of differentiated instruction and one of them is content, students can acquire new information and ideas through reading independently or with a partner, reading a novel or listening to it on tape, searching for content online or communicating with experts, and much more. I love to see their accomplishments. It should be noted that this presentation is only intended to be a brief overview of this encompassing topic. %��������� It ‘unpacks’ the concept of differentiation by showing the key elements in the concept and relationships among those elements. Resources involved in differentiating instruction include; instructional time (length, frequency), space (small-group vs. whole-group), people (parent helpers, classroom aides), and materials (e.g. Tomlinson (2001) identifies three elements of the curriculum that can be … Product—the method students use to demonstrate learning. [CDATA[ The Elements of Differentiated Instruction Although it is not the goal of this course to examine the key elements of differentiation, reviewing these elements will ensure that all participants are speaking the same language in regard to this instructional process. This kind of “kid-watching” is an important part of instruction and it will pay off when it becomes second nature to you as a teacher. Differentiated Instruction Identifying Components/Features According to the authors of differentiated instruction, several key elements guide differentiation in the education environment. It is the "weather" that affects everything that happens there. Many teachers have asked this question. The more tools you have in your box, the better prepared you will be to teach each student in the way that will reach them. (or the periodic table or cursive writing or planets). You could also post this question on the Community Board to see what responses other educators may have. This short video humorously demonstrates the need for instructional flexibility. (function(w,a,b,d,s){w[a]=w[a]||{};w[a][b]=w[a][b]||{q:[],track:function(r,e,t){this.q.push({r:r,e:e,t:t||+new Date});}};var e=d.createElement(s);var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];e.async=1;e.src='//marketing.readinghorizons.com/cdnr/81/acton/bn/tracker/26268';f.parentNode.insertBefore(e,f);})(window,'ActOn','Beacon',document,'script');ActOn.Beacon.track(); ��ѣ�r�xIa%�%�(o. I am flattered and encouraged by them. stream Given the preceding information, here are some questions to ask yourself when analyzing differentiation in your classroom: What am I doing to increase, update, or clarify my knowledge of the content that I teach? The approach encompasses planning and delivery of instruction, classroom management techniques, and expectations of learners’ performance that take into consideration the diversity and varied levels of readiness, interests, and learning profiles of learners. decodable and leveled text, whiteboards and markers, technology, etc.). Rather than being overwhelmed by the fact that the ability to differentiate instruction is an ongoing pursuit, challenge yourself to choose one area for improvement to focus on in the coming school year. Let‟s take a closer look at some key vocabulary related to differentiation. It is important to establish routines where multiple (yet relevant) things can be going on at the same time. I am a sixty-four year old retired third grade teacher who was puzzled about renewing my Florida Certification. The only option we have at my school is the Inclusion setting, even if a student would be in their LRE with a resource room setting. Key Elements of a Differentiated Classroom Module Welcome Reading Key Elements from ECE 109 at University of California, San Diego So, let’s talk differentiated reading instruction. Barbara and Tina, What are the key elements of differentiated reading instruction? ~��������o����~4���A���x1>�w֕�?j��A���S���!o�2�4?��'o���`vz0Ó�W?�fx�~b��7_���g}1>�W�rX�`O�|Xx��Y�{������q����J�g�Q�J^��){���3����N��'���r���L��־���{^��u��튱j�Ԝs�g��;��qח��8h{X��+F�P=��|�w��}��\��3�L߲�P���`"��`=���C}[�U!��U�����JP+՜C"�:NT��=���R�'���Z�X؝d���W�r"�?�;�=)���M��TL+C��\�w`\��2$׻��-�e�/��rB�H4�!=W��-������\%E/�UF�D�6�� K>�e�\��)�h�5��p�����TU��R$��4�I���Gc'1��Xy\ʈB��W�V��n؈ԁ�ɲ��QĤq�?�� All students have the opportunity to explore and apply the key concepts of the subject being studied. I am inspired reading your bio. For example, you could choose one content area or you could choose to focus on one component of differentiation such as assessment. Differentiated reading instruction is not necessary UNLESS… you want success and growth for each of your students and a greater level of fulfillment from your teaching career. As teachers begin to differentiate instruction, there are three main instructional elements that they can adjust to meet the needs of their learners: Content—the knowledge and skills students need to master. You changed the trajectory for young students every day without most of them even realizing it. You have inspired me. The Differentiated Instruction Scrapbook (2010) • A collection of ready to use differentiated instruction tools and templates 3. The key elements of differentiated reading instructions are as follows: Every child must read 90 minutes each day as mentioned on and in 90 min the teacher has to ensure differentiated reading instructions. differentiated instruction, professional development, teaching reading. Forty years ago, Tomlinson says, the focus was on individualized instruction. Assessment is the element that steers instruction in the differentiated classroom. 1. Differentiated instruction maximizes learning by considering students’ individual and cultural learning styles, recognizing that some students will require adjusted expectations, and offering different ways for students to explore curriculum and demonstrate learning (as well as accepting that these different methods are of equal value). Page links to other pages with examples from a high school and elementary school, key characteristics of a differentiated classroom, benefits, related readings, discussion, and related links to explore. Nine Practices to Differentiate Reading Instruction. In differentiated classrooms, students are active participants in the learning process. I taught first grade in 1966 when I was still 20 years old. Knowing the best ways to deliver instruction will help you to know what to do when you are instructing students no matter the group size. That, to me, is true service! Differentiated instruction is a principle-guided method to approach teaching and learning, and it is implemented in the context of a classroom system that contains four interdependent elements: learning environment, curriculum, assessment, and instruction. I am renewing my certificate, once again, so that I may continue teaching, mentoring, and/or volunteering in a school district where I know my experience and skills and positive energy would be welcomed and appreciated. How can I use technology to help differentiate instruction? Knowing and Responding to Learners – A Differentiated Instruction Educator’s Guide (revised, 2016) 2. .�F��y*� Differentiated Instruction 2. Key elements of differentiated instruction Setting goals and quality differentiated instruction Coaching and offering feedback to support differentiated instruction •Brainstorm academic needs of students in your school or classes. According to the authors, several key elements guide differentiation in the education environment. One of the silver linings of this COVID-19 pandemic is that while the schools are closed, the teachers continue working hard, teaching their students and the parents, too. As you refine instruction for each student you will reap the rewards of success for each student and a greater level of professional satisfaction. There are many ways to deliver instruction. // , // �&�P0¶��p�^���xg�Eѿ� �QY��o=GO����&Q���������?wq0y��! To improve student learning, educators can modify five classroom elements: ELEMENT OF Instruction is concept focused and principle driven. Process—the activities students use to master the content. Research on the effectiveness of differentiation shows this method benefits a wide range of students, from those with learning disabilities to those who are considered high ability. Teachers who have this mastered are constantly monitoring student response to instruction. ). Student responsibilities include demonstrating such skills as: 1) making effective choices, 2) being self-directed, 3) organizing learning materials, 4) following directions, 5) completing tasks, and 6) working cooperatively with classmates. Considering all of those changes, remember, the most important resource that you have is YOU! I am a hiker and paddler, originally from Florida. “At its most basic level, differentiating instruction means ‘shaking up’ what goes on in the classroom so that students have multiple options for taking in information, making sense of ideas, and expressing what they learn,” according to Carol Ann Tomlinson, chair of educational leadership, foundations and policy at the University of Virginia—who is widely considered one of the most … For example, differentiating instruction is NOT delivering the same instruction, in the same way, to multiple groups of students (if that were the case, whole class instruction would suffice). Do I take the time to reflect on student learning? Flatteringly, I would like to think that you are a modern version of me. Continuous adjustments will need to be made with the use of time, materials, approaches, and instructional grouping. Thankfully, there are many resources for teachers that can help you increase your knowledge of decoding and other reading strategies. Your rewards will be in heaven. Differentiated instruction is an approach that enables instructors to plan strategically to meet the needs of every learner. A Special Note… Differentiated instruction is a very popular, not to mention broad, topic in today’s educational arena. %PDF-1.3 Flexibility is also required as you choose the best ways to monitor and assess student learning. Largent’s U.S. history class (which is included below for your convenience) or Rick Wormeli’s unit on writer’s voice (from the “Nonnegotiables of DI Thanks for your kind words. gtag('js', new Date()); I don't believe so because I now teach the women's adult class at my church. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Aligning instruction and assessment with what content seems like a no-brainer but often this is the missing piece. << /Length 4 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Arbee, They recognize you and tell you what you have done for them! Best of luck to you! decodable and leveled text, whiteboards and markers, technology, etc. The last two components are the most important. For example I used to put 6 posters on my walls (based on Bloom's taxonomy) one for Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis I am 70 years old this month and renewing my FL teaching Certificates. This modification is guided by the teacher‟s understanding of student needs—the students‟ readiness, interests, and learning profile. Wow! The more you know about the subject you are teaching, the more you will know how to differentiate instruction for that subject. There are many areas that you can explore such as multisensory instruction, direct instruction, brain-based learning, English language learning, the importance of feedback, flexible grouping, and when it is best to use individual, small group or whole group instruction (most teachers use a variety of groupings within each school day). Understand the key elements of differentiated instruction Be able to differentiate instruction based on students’ readiness level, interests, and learning needs Be able to differentiate instruction for three main instructional components: content, process, and product Have the knowledge to evaluate and grade differentiated products As you focus on one small thing at a time, you will find that differentiating instruction can be more simple and doable than you think. For example, most teachers have learned to direct classrooms with sort of a frontal control mechanism with the belief that we have to be standing in front of the kids for them to learn anything, and that if we let them work collaboratively or independently they would self-destruct. Table 8.5.2. I am a special ed teacher for middle school grades 6-8. !���6C Then one day I said, "What the heck, why not, maybe I will teach again." Key Elements of Differentiated Instruction For this application, use one of the two classroom scenarios you’ve worked with in Module 3—Ms. This flow chart is a concept map of effective Differentiated Instruction. To get the latest Reading Horizons virtual classroom support. I am also a veteran teacher renewing my certificate, [CDATA[ How do I know if students understand the concepts that I am teaching as I am teaching them? Key Elements of Differentiated Instruction Differentiated instruction is based on modification of four elements: content, process, product, and affect/learning environment. Patience is required when managing and acquiring resources, refining your knowledge of the many and various ways that students learn, and seeking out and finding the right sources for professional development. Title: Differentiated Instruction 1 ... posters on the classroom walls with key words that identify the varying levels of thinking. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} However, my mind is always on teaching children. This is a refining process that can span an entire teaching career. The very nature of differentiated instruction demands flexibility. All students come to understand the key principles on which the study is based. Learning environment refers to both the physical and the affective climate in the classroom. This is also an area that will change from year to year in response to ever-changing resources (scheduling changes, class-size, instructional programs, human resources, etc.). •Change color of post-it-notes The hope is that it will lead to a more appropriate solution for the student. When integrated into learning experiences, these elements foster student engagement with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes and achievement. The role of the teacher and her/his responsibilities, determination, skills, expertise, patience, talents, and love for their students is publicly and widely acknowledged, appreciated, respected, and valued like never before. You have no idea how many lives you have influenced. My next venture is to write funny grade level books so students will enjoy reading even more. 2 0 obj